Blessing The Animals At St. Peter’s
MOUNT ARLINGTON – The Rev. Elizabeth Myers, pastor at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, offered blessings to the four-legged and furry Sunday morning at the second annual Blessing of the Animals held on the front lawn of the historic church.
Parishioners and local residents and their animals attended the brief ceremony, none minding the steady mist and cool breeze. Pastor Myers, herself the proud human of a mixed-breed dog, believes that pets deserve as “many blessings” as humans.
While laying her hand on the head of each of the animals Pastor Myers read a short blessing. The event was open to all pets, and for those without pets, Pastor Myers offered blessings to a favorite stuffed animal.
This year’s event doubled in size from last year and included both cats (two), dogs (ten) and stuffed animals (three).
Linda Davidson from Mount Arlington brought with her a treasured teddy bear made for her by a friend who happens to be a Hospice nurse. The bear is made from the clothes of her deceased companion, Al Klein, who passed away on July 5. Pastor Myers blessed the bear and offered special blessings to Davidson, who along is a member of the church.
Pastor Betsy Myers, center, leads the ceremony on the church lawn.
Scotchie Hoskins, center, gets a blessing.
Tony Cuoco, the dog, gets a blessing.
Pastor Betsy Myers blesses a favorite teddy bear.
A special blessing by Pastor Betsy Myers of a hospice bear for Linda Davidson, center.
